Defra's proposed horse tax

Defra's proposed horse tax Defra has launched a consultation on changes to the funding and governance structures for animal health.  The consultation is of particular relevance to keepers of livestock, including keepers of horses.

The Government's objective is to achieve a lasting change in the way decisions regarding animal health in England are made, and how animal health is funded.  Views submitted in response to this consultation exercise will be an important contribution in helping to achieve this objective.

Comments on the proposals are invited by 30 June 2009.

Defra's proposals include:

• A new body for animal health in England, with a chief executive and an independent board including representatives from the livestock industry, which will take on everything that Defra currently does in relation to setting animal health policy except for animal welfare; and
• Compulsory registration of livestock keepers and a levy to provide an additional source of funding to contribute initially to dealing with exotic disease outbreaks. At present this would cover all main species of farmed livestock but the consultation asks for views whether horses should be included in the new funding arrangements.
• If extended to include horses the proposed levy fee is £10.50 per horse
• The consultation document also raises the possibility of recovering some of the costs of dealing with exotic disease outbreaks through mandatory insurance.

A copy of the consultation can be viewed HERE  

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